Synonyms: Nouns for Tangible Things - ISEE Upper Level: Verbal Reasoning

The word “edifice” comes from Latin roots either literally meaning “building” or also “to make a building.” When we “edify” someone, we “build them up” or improve them. The best option is the very general term “building” and none of the more specific building types mentioned.

Often, we speak of a “terminal illness,” and several of the wrong answers are meant to tempt you into thinking choosing them because of this association. What is meant when we so call an illness is that it is going to lead to the end of life of the person diagnosed. The “term” of something is its “end” in the sense of being the very last point with regard to that thing (the end of life, the end of a stick, etc).

A "hovel" is a shanty or a small and run-down cabin, so "shanty" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "hovel": "infection" means disease or the process of being infected with a disease; a "prodigy" is a young person with extraordinary abilities or skills; "prophesy" is a foretelling about what will happen in the future; and "residue" is whatever remains or is left.

“Dearth” means lack or state of not having much or enough of something, so "lack" is the correct answer. “Excess” is an antonym of "dearth" and means the part of a quantity that is more than what is needed;“mirth” means joy, celebration and happiness; and “sulkiness” is petulance and a state in which one is disgruntled; and “enmity” means mutual dislike or hatred.

A “cacophony” is a harsh mixture of noise that is not pleasing to hear, also known as a “din” or a “racket.” As for the other answer choices, “asset” means something useful that offers some advantage, "prudence" is the ability to make smart, careful decisions in order to avoid future problems, and "parity" is equality.

“Chicanery” is getting something from someone using dishonest trickery, so "deception" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “edification” is moral improvement; “erudition” is knowledge and learning; “accountability” means responsibility; and a "remonstration" is complaint or protest.

An “embellishment” is something added to decorate something else; this is very close in meaning to an “adornment.” As for the other answer choices, a “fragment” is a portion or a part of a greater whole; “perjury” is lying in court under oath; an “outcast” is someone who is rejected by a social group; and “repartee” means witty conversation.

An “array” is an assortment of many different types of things, so "assortment" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “distraction” is something that takes your attention away from whatever you are focused on; “perjury” is the act of lying under oath in court; a "mishap” is something minor that goes wrong; and a "frenzy" is a brief span of intense emotion or activity.

“Laurels” are literally leaves from a laurel tree formed into a crown for a victor, but metaphorically, "laurels" can also mean praise for some accomplishment. The phrase "resting on one's laurels" uses this definition; it means not really trying very hard, but instead, coasting on the fame of one's previous successes. So, "praise" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sentiments” are one’s attitudes and opinions; “grievances” are things one disagrees with and takes issue with; and “homages” are things that are dedicated to someone or something.

“Garb” is another word for garments or "clothing," often referring to a specific set of clothes used for a particular purpose or when one takes on a particular role. As for the other answer choices, “possessions” are things that are owned; “limitations” are restrictions or things that hold people back; “plaudits” are congratulations or praise; “lamentations” are spoken acts of mourning.

A “malady” is a disease, sickness, or "ailment." As for the other answer choices, “detention” means the act of being punished or imprisoned by being placed in custody or this state of imprisonment; a “catalyst” is something that provides impetus for or helps start a reaction or an event; “inspiration” means motivation or something that causes someone to act willingly; “antecedent” means precursor, forerunner, or a thing that comes before another thing.

When used as a noun, the word "hazard" is used to describe something that is dangerous. The adjectival form "hazardous" is often used to describe various things that are dangerous—hazardous roads, hazardous traffic, hazardous waste, and so forth. Among the options given here, most of them are somehow related to hazardous things. If something is dangerous, it is likely a terror. Likewise, a toxic thing is hazardous, as is a carcinogenic (i.e. cancer-causing) thing, but a "hazard" is simply a dangerous thing. Thus, the general word "risk" is the best option for this question.

A "writ" is a legal command, an order to appear before court. The closest answer therefore is "order." To provide further help, a "heroine" is a female hero; "hiatus" means break, rest period; "kowtow" means to bow, to defer to another; a "polyglot" is a speaker of multiple languages.

A "symposium" is a meeting. Usually it is a business conference, or a meeting to discuss a particular idea. A "trial" is a judicial event specifically designed to assess guilt or innocence, while a symposium has no such goal. While an "agreement" may be reached at a "symposium" the two words are not synonymous.

An "adjunct" is a thing added to something to be supportive or complementary. The closest answer choice is "supportive." To provide further help, "disconsolate" means unable to be consoled, unable to be comforted; "dismissive" means ignoring, not taking something into account; "hubris" is excessive pride; "penitent" means remorseful, seeking forgiveness from God.

A "precept" is a rule or principle meant to govern behavior. To provide further help, "bastion" and "stronghold" are synonyms; both words mean an institution that upholds a dying ideal. "Gala" means festival.

"Panegyric" means a public speech praising someone, a tribute or eulogy. To provide further help, "tenet" and "creed" are synonyms; both words mean a fundamental part of a belief system; a "hiatus" is a break from something; a "connoisseur" is an expert.

A "gala" is a festival, a party, a formal occasion with entertainment and socializing. To provide further help, a "vocation" is a job; a "bulletin" is a posted public announcement; an "editorial" is an article in a newspaper in which the author expresses his or her opinion.

An "aspiration" is a goal, a target, something you aspire too. To provide further help, a "hazard" is a danger; a "mirage" is an illusion; a "forte" is someone's strong suit; an "aspersion" is a verbal attack on someone.